Optimization of suspension characteristics for shaping processes

This paper deals with the relationships between suspension characteristics and the structure of green bodies in shaping processes. The slip casting process with aqueous alumina slurry and the uni-axial pressing process of spray-dried granules prepared with aqueous silicon nitride slurry were selected. In the slip casting process, it was clear that the measurement of sedimentation behavior in a centrifugal field and the aggregate particle size analysis were promising methods to determine the optimum characteristics of a suspension for slip casting. In the spray drying and uni-axial pressing process, the compressive strength of granules was measured by a microcompression testing machine, and the porosity of granules was measured by a mercury porosimeter. Both values were applied to analyze the effect of the slurry on the granules' properties. Furthermore, it was suggested that the characterized results were promising to determine the optimum characteristics of spray-dried granules for uni-axial pressing. (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Limited.